Monday, December 14, 2020

Sunflower Field in Provence - o/c 28.5" x 32.5"

 


There is something to be said about the welcoming style of French farmhouses in the way they are grouped together compared to other countries. Structures are connected together and placed at various angles in a practical living and working arena.  And in doing so, they also provide the close-knit warmth of the family within.

Windows, however few, are not facing four directions.  This is due to the cold northwesterly mistral that passes through in winter and spring. I recall humorously reading that "the mistral is strong enough to blow the ears off a donkey." Of course, not as humorous, if you're experiencing those dreaded winds first hand.

I have snapped photos over the years of these farmhouses, and leafed through books creating various compositions of these original works in oil. Remaining true to my artistic style, I add the appearance of ivy growing up the walls to give the appearance of the farmhouse's antiquity.  And trees and shrubbery surrounding the structures for protection from the mistral, and shade from the summer sun.  This also provides harmonious color and depth between the sunlight and shadows.  Beyond the shadows and structured interior, I evoke added interest into the viewer's imagination while gazing upon the painting.

A sunflower field is especially inviting when the stalks are tall, and flowers in full bloom.  And those in the foreground appear to droop sadly; due to the weight of their seeds and pedals they are lush and ready for harvesting.

Besides sharing a story about "Sunflower Field in Provence" . . . did you know that while the color yellow signifies HAPPINESS, the sunflower symbolizes LOYALTY and LONGEVITY?


http://www.christinenauman.com

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Poppies in Provence - o/c 28.5" x 32.5"

 

sold

Traveling from the site of Cezanne's view of Mont Sainte-Victoire that he depicted in his paintings, there was abundant visual beauty surrounding small residences and farmhouses.  Multipal blooms of poppies with their deep red petals and purple/black pistil stand erect, protected by the dense greenery and gentle breeze throughout the landscape in Spring.

Depending on the contrasting light of day, the flowering white trees become mirror images with the billowy clouds.

A feast to one's senses of sight and scent is Poppies in Provence.

http://christinenauman.com


Friday, October 16, 2020

Japanese Yellow Wisteria - o/c 36" x 36"


Wisteria flowers bloom in a variety of colors: purple, blue, pink, yellow and white. Symbolism for wisteria is longevity. To date, the oldest one known was planted by a Buddhist monk 1000 years ago in the central Kanto region of Japan.  They continue to stand bringing forth beautiful purple blooms the end of April to early May.  In 1395, an Imperial Prince planted them in the southern Prefecture he lived and designated "The Wisteria" a national natural treasure.  And for that reason, they are also known for honor.

European families mark the ages of generations passing with the growth of this vine, and so it makes sense the vine embodies an essence of immorality.  Fathers and grandfathers tell their sons of stolen kisses beneath the same wisteria that grew during the day of their great grandfather's life.

Perhaps that's why a pondering feeling began before the creation of "Wisteria" and carried forth throughout the 2 month painting process. Numerous memories standing below these stunning blooms and looking upward was magnificent during my years living in the Orient.  What better time was there than now, to create an original oil painting depicting these vines for a collector to enjoy in the present, and share stories for their generations to come?

http://www.christinenauman.com

Monday, June 29, 2020

Tiger Lily Reflections - 33" x 29"


Recently, a patron of mine from the northeast forwarded a photo of how she has displayed "Tiger Lily Reflections" in her private residence. How beautiful to view how her personal design style has been arranged to compliment my original oil painting.

http://christinenauman.com


Sunday, February 9, 2020